The Hindu Temple v1.c5.s8.15

v1.c5.s8.15

The 7th plan is of great importance in the ‘Vaikhānāśāgama’ and other South Indian texts. The Sthaṇḍila of 49 squares has Brahmā in the centre, surrounded by a triple enclosure. The border around the one square of Brahmā is held by the gods, in 8 squares; the next border of 16 squares is assigned to men and the outermost border of 24 squares is occupied by Piśācas, the goblins. This triple enclosure comprising the seven times seven squares (cf. Ś.B. X. 2. 3. 1., the Agni of 7 Puruṣas) and the progression of squares from the 1 in the centre to 8 to 16 to 24 is prescribed for the immovable image of divinity (dhruvārcā).¹⁰¹ (Fig. A). The triple world in its hierarchy of gods, men and ghosts ensconces Brahmā.¹⁰²